Chico Unified board approves $1,001,000 for Blue Oak Charter School project at Marion Park

The Chico Unified School District board, at a special meeting, moved to approve Blue Oak Charter School’s Measure C charter allocation application and to allocate $1,001,000 from regular Measure C funds to a reduced project planned for the Marion Park site.

Staff presented the application, saying the project would be located on Marion Park, which was previously purchased with bond dollars, and that Blue Oak has been coordinating with the city and the state architect to meet project requirements and secure leverage funding. “The land that was purchased with bond dollars already belongs to Chico Unified School District,” a staff member stated during the presentation.

Board members asked clarifying questions about property ownership and whether permanent infrastructure placed during construction would convey to the district. Staff said the district owns the land and that underground infrastructure installed as part of the project would be permanently placed and belong to the district.

Members also pressed for schedule details. A staff member said the district provided a preliminary Prop 39 offer on Feb. 1; Blue Oak must respond to that preliminary offer, after which the district will provide a final offer. Staff relayed that the initial response deadline is roughly one month after notice and that the district’s final decision would be expected by May 1.

After discussion, a board member moved to approve Blue Oak’s application “as presented for 1,001,000 from the regular C files.” Another member requested a friendly amendment to ensure the approved dollar amount be recorded in the motion; the amendment was accepted. The roll call recorded at least two ‘I’ votes by name (Wilson and Haze); the transcript does not include a complete roll-call tally in the provided record.

Supporters on the board praised the proposal’s design to minimize disruption during construction and its educational offering. One board member said Blue Oak “gives the community an opportunity, for their kids that we don't offer any other place.”

Next steps: Blue Oak must respond to the district’s preliminary Prop 39 offer within the stated response window (initial responses referenced as due by March 1), and the district expects to issue a final decision by May 1. The record provided does not capture a full, final roll-call tally beyond the named votes noted above.